Fudge may not excel in many areas, but when it cos to power, his instincts are razor-sharp.
He imdiately realized that if Umbridge were to represent the Ministry of Magic and appear on the screen of the Streaming Mirror, there was a significant chance she would threaten his position.
In previous Ministerial elections, candidates could only promote their image and policies through newspaper columns.
But the Streaming Mirror, with its dynamic visuals and passionate speeches, was far more persuasive and impactful than the dry text of newspapers.
More importantly, no matter how close and trusting his relationship with Umbridge might appear, Fudge was well aware deep down: Umbridge is a monster of ambition and desire for power—cold-blooded and ruthless.
If she ever got the chance to push Fudge aside and claim the Minister's chair for herself, Umbridge would not hesitate for a second.
—She absolutely can not be allowed to appear on cara!
Fudge made his decision almost instantly.
No… not just Umbridge…
This ban would also extend to Scrimgeour, Crouch, Bones—anyone who might pose a threat to his position. None of them would be allowed to accept interviews from Aslan Magic Workshop or speak in front of a cara.
The only faces allowed to appear before the wizarding public across Britain would be his own… or perhaps so young interns with no standing whatsoever.
When Wade once again inquired about Umbridge's preferences and expressed a desire to film scenes of her interacting with cats, Fudge finally couldn't hold back his rebuttal.
"No, Umbridge doesn't like live cats!"
His expression was stiff, and his tone betrayed his displeasure. "She thinks real cats are dirty and troubleso. She only likes cat-thed decorations!"
"Hmm…"
Wade hesitated before saying:
"How can you be so sure she doesn't truly like them? Maybe she's just being considerate of her colleagues at the Ministry, avoiding live cats to prevent them from disrupting work. That's why she only carries cat-thed ornants."
"I don't think Madam Umbridge has ever publicly stated that she dislikes real, living cats, has she?"
Though Wade didn't outright accuse him, his tone subtly suggested suspicion—
Are you, as the Minister, deliberately saring or suppressing your subordinate? Are you so obsessed with your position that you refuse to let Umbridge have her mont in the spotlight?
For the first ti, Fudge experienced the bitterness of being unable to explain himself. Despite speaking the truth, no one believed him.
What made it worse was that this suspicion was coming from Wade, soone he had been treating with enthusiasm, which left the Minister feeling a twinge of unfairness.
Frustrated, he retorted:
"I've worked with Umbridge for over a decade! Do you think I don't know her better than you? Of course, I'm certain she doesn't keep cats!
If you'd ever heard her drunkenly scheming about how to deal with Muggles and Squibs, you'd know she's anything but kindhearted!"
And what's this nonsense about her "becoming the next Millicent Bagnold"?!
Millicent Bagnold was Fudge's predecessor as Minister of Magic. During her tenure, the Wizarding War caused by Voldemort ca to an end (though it wasn't directly her doing), earning her widespread acclaim and an enduring reputation.
Fudge hated nothing more than being compared to Millicent Bagnold whenever the public criticized him.
"Really…"
Wade replied, dragging out the word in a doubtful tone, which only made Minister Fudge feel even more stifled.
Kingsley stared at Wade in surprise.
If he hadn't seen Wade enter the room himself, he might have thought the boy had been present all along.
Fudge might not realize it—but isn't Wade's suspicion of him eerily similar to his own earlier suspicion of Sirius Black?
Even the reasoning was strikingly alike!
Kingsley glanced at Harry, whose wide green eyes were round with confusion, then at Lupin, who was barely suppressing a laugh, and confird to himself that it wasn't just his imagination.
But Fudge, being sowhat single-minded, failed to notice the irony. He spoke in a stiff, formal tone:
"The Ministry will need to deliberate on whether to allow Deputy Minister Umbridge to engage in such publicity—"
"Hmm… To prevent leaks of confidential information… To avoid sparking public controversy or… damaging the Ministry's image in the eyes of the wizarding community, matters like this must be carefully discussed. You can't simply interview whoever you wish…"
"Even though I am the Minister of Magic, I can only determine my own schedule."
Fudge said in a rigid tone, emphasizing the words Deputy Minister heavily, hinting that Wade could interview him, the Minister.
But the young man before him was too inexperienced—or perhaps just uninterested in currying favor with the Minister. Wade seed completely oblivious to the subtext. Instead, he simply nodded in disappointnt and said:
"Oh… Alright… Then we'll wait until Madam Umbridge is available for an interview to schedule it."
"Very well… Very well… Let's hope that day cos…"
Fudge said through gritted teeth before turning and storming out, seething.
—That day will never co!
—I'll draft a law as soon as I return! No departnt heads or higher-ups in the Ministry will be allowed to accept interviews with Aslan Magic Workshop! Except for the Minister, of course!
The Aurors left once more. Kingsley Shacklebolt lingered behind, looked at Lupin and asked:
"While I'm fairly certain of the answer, I still have to ask—does Sirius Black have any connection to the Alliance or Gellert Grindelwald?"
Lupin adopted a deliberately puzzled expression and replied, "Why would you think that? Of course, he has no connection to them."
Kingsley nodded and then smiled warmly at Wade and Harry.
"It was a pleasure eting you both, Mr. Potter and Mr. Grey. May joy and happiness always be with you."
"Uh… Thank you?" Harry replied awkwardly.
With his kind yet slightly intimidating smile, Harry replied uncertainly.
Kingsley seed satisfied, gave a small smile, and then opened the door to leave as well.
Harry, who had 'little to no' fondness for anyone trying to send Sirius Black to prison, pondered for a mont after Kingsley left and then asked, "Remus, was he threatening us?"
Lupin couldn't help but laugh. "I actually think he was being sincere—Wade, if you truly want to work with Madam Umbridge, it might be better to approach her directly. Minister Fudge might turn out to be an obstacle instead."
"Yeah, it's strange—she's his subordinate, yet he keeps badmouthing her. Madam Umbridge must really have it tough," Harry said, sighing with sympathy for the supposedly outstanding woman being undermined by her own boss.
Wade slowly widened his eyes and turned to look at the two of them, utterly shocked.
"What? Did I say sothing wrong?"
Lupin asked, confused. He thought back and realized he, too, had sensed Fudge's disdain for Umbridge.
"Don't make explain."
Wade groaned, collapsing onto the couch. He summoned a glass of water with a flick of his hand, gulped it down, and then sighed. "I've already said enough for one day."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door again, and a tall, thin figure stepped inside.
"Seems I've arrived late—"
Dumbledore glanced at their expressions and smiled. "—but it looks like things turned out well?"
--------------------------------
🙏🙏Please consider supporting this translation project by becoming a P@treon mber!!!
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Available on my P@treon page for just $4!!
Early access to the following translations:-
⭐Harry Potter: Becoming a Study God (HP:BSG)- 235 Chapters
⭐MCU: Druid's Adventures (MCUDA)(⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 460
⭐Famous Police Detective in Detective World (FPDDW)- 165 advance chapters
⭐Marvel: Little Genius (MLG) (⭐COMPLETE⭐) - Total Chapter 450
[email protected]/Lightreaper457
--------------------------------
User Comments
0 comments from readers